TK Question

[Matthew S.]

I recently participated in a small discussion (i.e., a bull session ) with a fellow collector and the phrases "first pattern", "third pattern", etc. came up in reference to his SS Totenkopf tabs and I have to admit, I had no clue what he was talking about. I thought TK's just came in either vertical or horizontal and that was it. What are the different patterns?

[Bobwirtz]

Got me... I've been collecting this stuff for quite a number of years and have three Totenkopf tunics and all I've ever seen is vertical and horizontal and I keep forgetting which is which. I know there were matching pairs and sometimes a guy might have wore the left collar tab on the right side or whatever, but that isn't a third style, is it?

Bob

[rayman]

Matt and Bob,

My take on this - the "pattern" that people refer to with TK tabs is possibly a reference to when (period of the Third Reich) the tab appeared on the scene. A rough guide would be; pre-war, M40 style with variants, mid war, late war (Dachau pattern) and the last pattern full jaw version (affectionately called "pumpkin head" by collectors).

Just my opinion. Don't know if it helps.........

PS: Maybe a few collectors could post some good scans of the various patters?

Cheers,

Ray.